Monday, February 4, 2008

When Smiles Turn Sour

AAAGGGHHHH! Dave and I are reaching that point way above our heads. You know, where your Mom used to put her hand up to her forehead or above, and say, "I've had it up to here..."

Katie has beveloped a really horrible habit whenever she gets into trouble. Which unfortunatly is happening with more frequency. Actually it's kind of allarming. I worry that any day now my precious Kate will turn into a big girl monster. I had such hi hopes for her. I really thought she was the one that just wouldn't ever get into trouble. My parents had one, and I'm pretty sure Dave's did too. So it's in our genes. She is this little Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde! During the day when there aren't any big syblings around she is an angle. Then in tazmanian devil style...the kids come home from school, you see her winde up and she's a whirling girl of naughtiness. All you can do is endure until bedtime. Thankfuly, so far, after a restful night of sleep she awakens sweet as can be. Wo wo wo be the day when she doesn't give me at least half a day of sweet Katie.

So what is the nasty habit you ask? She smile or laughs or both whever she gets in trouble. You have no idea how it gets your blood boiling when you are disciplining a child and she's looking you right in the eye and smiling or worse laughing! At first we were spanking her when she responded that way. We both thought it was just outright in your face disrespect or something. But does a three year old know how to be disrespectful? It was just so out of character for Kate. Soon we noticed she would hide or cover her face when ever she got in trouble. That's when we decided it must be a nervous reaction. Horrible as it is. And even though it gets our blood boiling we are trying to just ignore it. So pray for us to have patience. Heaven knows were going to need it!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

You're a champ! I'm the worst discipliner in the world. I'm such a softy and a total push over. I'm sure Kate is just going through a phase. It may return though when she's seventeen. You'll try to discipline her then and she'll probably just laugh at you:)We'll pray for you anyway, because we know what it feels like when you've reached your limit. Keep up the good work, and remember bedtime is just a few hours away:)

Anonymous said...

Oh...and in reguards to the M&M's I have to repectfully disagree with Mars Snackfood US:) I can taste the blue food coloring; all the other colors are the same, but the blue tastes funny. So in the words of Forrest Gump, that's all I have to say 'bout that.(lol)

The Seaquist Family said...

Oh Jen. I think we just need to pray for one another. I often wonder how parents do it and appear to be so sane...it is because they are CRAZY when they walk in their front door. I hear your pain, although it brings a smile to my face (sorry about that). Maybe because it makes me feel not so alone in the challenge of discliplining children. Thanks for being so candid!

April said...

Is this not the most fun age. Please tell me it goes away. Elise has been such a challenge I don't know what to do sometimes. She now does exactly what I ask her not to just to get a rise out of me, and of course she does. Why do I fall for it every time? Katie is a darling. She will overcome:)

Anonymous said...

Jenny,
Each and every kid brings their own issues. However it is always worth it. Good thing she was born into a good family with someone that honestly gives their best to do their best. And be thankful she has a strong personality she is going to need it and more growing up in todays world. I'll be thinking of you but honestly when I think of Katie I can only remember the sweetest little angel ever. I can't wait to see her again and get hugs and kisses.
Love
Mom

The Roberts Rollercoaster RIde said...

Well I would love to say this is my advice but I happen to be reading this while on the phone with my older sis (who has kids that has kids in school). She reminded me that at school the kids are SOOO regimented and forced into SOOO many rules, no running, no talking...even lunch and recess are limited that they just have a LOT of steam to let out when they get home. You might require 30 mins of outdoor play or some sports or something to get her "freedom" playtime out of her system. At least some room to not have tons of rules invading her??
-Rachel...out!

Cathy said...

First of all, your Mom's comments are always so uplifting and sweet! Katie is so darling I'm almost glad to hear she can be a challenge! I'm a softee and am having a very difficult time with this 3 1/2 going on 4 age!

Lisa said...

Hi jen. Megan does the same thing only she says sorry really fast and then grins this big grin... makes me crazy. I usually just have to say 'Megan' in that I'm so disappointed voice and she melts into tears and then wants a hug. They are something aren't they?